Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has shed some light why in-form striker Terrence Dzvukamanja struggled for game time at the start of the season.
Dzvukamanja was struggling to an extent that he couldn’t make it in the matchday squad. At one time, there were rumours that was going to part ways with the Soweto giants when the campaign ends.
He missed the first 13 matches, his first appearance was in October 2022 against Richards Bay FC in a DStv Premiership encounter.
The 29-year-old’s turn around form came in January 2023 when he was handed his first start against Golden Arrows.
Since then, he has never looked back. He has scored seven goals and provided one assist in 12 league matches for Orlando Pirates.
TERRENCE DZVUKAMANJA LACKED CONSISTENCY AND FACED STIFF COMPETITION
According to Jose Riveiro, Terrence Dzvukamanja’s lack of game time was due to lack of consistency and stiff competition.
Pirates have many strikers who are competing week in, week out for a place in the starting 11. These include Eva Nga, Evidence Makgopa, Ndumiso Mabhena and Kermit Erasmus.
“It was difficult at the beginning of the season for Terrence in terms of minutes and availability to be selected also,” said Riveiro.
“Early in the season he was not consistent enough. In a team like this with competition that they have in this position it’s difficult to get the chance.
“But once he starts to get that continuity to complete weeks, to train and be available for selection then he’s an exceptional player.
JOSE RIVEIRO DESCRIBES TERRENCE DZVUKAMANJA AS AN EXCEPTIONAL PLAYER
Following his recent form, turning to be ruthless in front of goal, Riveiro believes Dzvukamanja is a quality striker and has proved his doubters wrong.
“Terrence is an experienced player, he has proved himself in many games.
“He’s a very smart player with capacity to score goals like he’s showing in the recent games. We like to see Terrence scoring goals,” he added.
Dzvukamanja’s latest goal came in a 1-1 draw against Sekhukhune United scoring a great header. He was unlucky as his second effort hit the post.
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